Mike Waltz says the UN has a ‘brutal history and record’ on anti-Semitism

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INTERMEDIATE: US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz is calling for sweeping reforms at the global body, putting the fight against antisemitism at the top of the agenda as the Trump administration seeks reforms across the institution.
In an exclusive on-camera interview, Waltz argued that tackling antisemitism should be a central pillar of any UN reform, as well as a broader return to what he described as the organization’s mission of peace and security.
“The UN has a brutal history and record when it comes to anti-Semitism. Number one, it’s a cesspool of antisemitism in many ways,” Waltz said. “This administration is determined to fight it.”
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US Ambassador to the United Nations Michael Waltz speaks with Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon before a meeting of the United Nations Security Council to consider the US proposal for a UN mandate to establish an international force to stabilize Gaza, at the UN headquarters in New York City, Nov. 17, 2025. (Eduardo Munoz/Reuters)
He described the issue as urgent and historic, including growing tensions around the world and the aftermath of the Oct. 7 Hamas and what it says must be a renewed commitment within international institutions.
“We have to live up to the never-again rhetoric,” Waltz said. “As we see antisemitism on the rise around the world … after October 7, in particular, we have to live up to that mantra.”
Waltz identified the memory of the Holocaust and the testimony of survivors as important tools in the fight against denial and revision of history, saying that education should be the basis of any UN response.
“It’s about education. It’s about fighting these Holocaust denial issues,” he said. “But most importantly, while we still have them, it’s about hearing from survivors and hearing their stories.”

Memorials at the site of the Oct. 7 Hamas at the Supernova music festival near Kibbutz Re’im, Israel, Monday, May 27, 2024. (Kobi Wolf/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
He added that UN forums should highlight the testimonies of survivors instead of sending political messages.
“My recommendation to the UN is, get the politicians out of the way, let’s just hear from the survivors because their stories are compelling, painful, need to be heard and written down, and will never be denied,” said Waltz.
The ambassador’s comments come as the administration calls for wide-ranging structural changes at the United Nations, including changes to how it deals with development aid, humanitarian work and leadership.
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A view of the United Nations Headquarters building in New York City, United States on July 16, 2024. (Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Waltz said Washington wants to see an agency that focuses more on conflict prevention and peacekeeping, not relying too much on traditional aid programs.
“I see, and I think what the president sees, is a very focused UN organization that has returned it to the basics of promoting peace and security around the world and enforcing peace when conflicts break out through the use of its peacekeeping forces,” he said.
The push for reform comes after long-standing criticism from US officials and watchdog groups about Israel’s treatment in the UN system and concerns about anti-Semitism linked to other UN-affiliated bodies.
UNRWA, the UN agency responsible for Palestine refugees, has faced increasing scrutiny in recent years. Reports from education watchdogs have noted content in UNRWA-affiliated classroom materials that legitimize Israel or include dissident themes.
Media inquiry after 7 Oct. 7 continued to draw attention to the agency, with allegations involving staff and insurgents prompting the suspension of donors and an internal investigation.
An independent review commissioned by the United Nations acknowledged the challenges of neutrality and recommended stronger oversight and evaluation mechanisms.
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Photos released by the Israel Defense Forces show three people the Israeli army claims are Hamas terrorists inside the UNRWA compound in Rafah. (IDF)
Beyond UNRWA, critics have identified structural patterns throughout the UN system. Israel remains the only country given a permanent agenda item at the UN Human Rights Council, which mandates that it be discussed at all times.
In the General Assembly, Israel is often the subject of resolutions that affect one country more than any other state at most times of the year.
Successive US administrations have described that focus as disproportionate.
UN officials reject the manifestation of institutional antisemitism, saying that the scrutiny reflects the extent and duration of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and humanitarian concerns, and points to ongoing changes within agencies including UNRWA.
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US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz raises his hand to vote in favor of a draft resolution authorizing the International Stabilization Force in Gaza on November 17, 2025. (Adam Gray/Getty)
Waltz said tackling antisemitism must remain a priority as the UN prepares for leadership changes and debates about its future direction. He placed the fight against antisemitism within that broader change, along with other policy priorities and decisions for future leadership on the world stage.
“So those are some of the things in addition to … taking on anti-Semitism … getting … good, strong leadership at the UN going forward that we hope will happen during our time here.”



